Gadkari files Rs 11-cr civil lawsuit over E20 deepfakes; here’s what it says

The Bombay High Court on Monday (July 27) permitted Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to file a civil suit against the online circulation of alleged defamatory and deepfake material which linked him and his family members to profits from the E20 ethanol programme.

In his suit, Gadkari sought the removal of allegedly defamatory social media posts, AI-generated deepfakes, and manipulated videos that he claims falsely link him and his family to the Centre's E20 ethanol-blending programme and alleged corruption surrounding it.

Who has been sued?

Filed through advocate Sandeep Ladda, the civil suit names Meta (Facebook and Instagram), X (formerly Twitter), Google/YouTube, the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications, and unidentified users described as "Ashok Kumar/John Doe" as defendants.

Also Read: Bombay HC allows Gadkari to sue over alleged deepfake E20 posts

The minister has sought permanent and mandatory injunctions directing the platforms to take down the disputed content, besides claiming Rs 11 crore in damages. The matter is scheduled to be heard by Justice Arif Doctor.

‘Not responsible for E20 policy’: Gadkari

The petition comes amid sustained criticism of Gadkari over the rollout of E20 petrol (a blend of 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol), which has drawn concerns from vehicle owners and automotive experts over compatibility with older vehicles.

In his suit, however, Gadkari argues that he has been wrongly blamed for a policy that falls entirely under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG).

Also Read: Show me one vehicle damaged by E20 petrol: Nitin Gadkari challenges critics

According to the petition, the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) was introduced in 2003 and gradually expanded to achieve 20 per cent ethanol blending during 2025-26 as part of the government's strategy to reduce crude oil imports, improve energy security, and promote renewable fuels.

Gadkari maintains that he has never held charge of the petroleum ministry and has exercised no executive, administrative, or policy-making authority over the EBP or the E20 initiative.

Denies conflict-of-interest allegations

The suit also rejects allegations circulating online that Gadkari's family has financially benefited from the ethanol programme.

Several posts cited in the petition allegedly claim that his son, Nikhil Gadkari, who is associated with CIAN Agro Industries & Infrastructure Limited (a company that manufactures ethanol and other products), has profited from the government's ethanol policy.

Also Read: FIR against four influencers over E20 posts targeting Gadkari

Gadkari contends that these allegations falsely insinuate corruption, conflict of interest, and abuse of office despite official records showing that the programme is administered by the petroleum ministry.

'Beyond fair criticism'

While asserting that he does not seek to suppress legitimate criticism of government policies or his public life, Gadkari argues that the material under challenge goes far beyond political commentary.

The petition identifies 26 online links containing face-swap videos, AI-generated images, fabricated quotes, memes, and cartoons allegedly using his name, face, voice, and mannerisms without consent. According to the minister, these posts amount to defamatory deepfakes and unauthorised digital appropriation of his identity, infringing his personality and publicity rights.

Also Read: The Cockroach Effect: Two new online movements now target E20 fuel, caste quotas

The legal action comes at a time when debate over E20 fuel continues, particularly over its impact on older vehicles. Consumer concerns have also reached the courts, with a district consumer commission in Chhattisgarh recently directing Maruti Suzuki to replace a Grand Vitara with an E20-compatible model after a customer alleged that the use of E20 fuel caused his vehicle to break down.